First Reading

Reading from the prophecy of Hosea

Hosea 11, 1-4. 8-9

“When Israel was a child, I loved him,
and out of Egypt I called my son, says the Lord.
But the more I called them,
the more they went away from me;
they offered sacrifices to false gods
and burned offerings to idols.

It was I who taught Ephraim to walk,
taking them up in my arms;
but they did not realize that I cared for them.

I led them with cords of human kindness,
with ties of love.
To them I was like one who lifts a little child
to the cheek,
and I bent down to feed them.

My heart is changed within me;
all my compassion is aroused.
I will not carry out my fierce anger,
nor will I devastate Ephraim again.
For I am God, and not a man—
the Holy One among you,
and I will not come against their cities’’.

Gospel

Reading from the holy Gospel according to Saint Matthew

Matthew 10, 7-15

At that time, Jesus sent out the Twelve with these instructions: “As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.

Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts— no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or staff, for the worker is worth his keep.

Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person and stay at their house until you leave. As you enter the home, give it your greeting. If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town”.